Metals joining apparatus



April 19, 1960 J. L. HARPER METALS JOINING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. l5. 1957 mm2-.r muzmDOmm mmm @IKN

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April 19, 1960 J. L. HARPER 2,933,583

METALS JOINING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 wnNEssEs mvENToR Y John L Harper April 19, 1960 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. l5, 1957 April 19, 1960 J. L. HARPER METALS JOININGAPPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 15. 1957 f April 19, 1960 J. L. HARPER METALS JOINING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. l5, 1957 April 19, 1960 J. L. HARPER 2,933,588

METALS JOINING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 April 19, 1960 J. L. HARPER 2,933,588

METALS JOINING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 mmm April 19 1960 J. L. HARPER 2,933,588

METALS JOINING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15. 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 20| F|g.||. ,8., |89 '4| y 27| |83 |47 E| C 2|3 o R 237 2" ge, o '49 a 233 24| E2 |83 c 2I3 237) 225 223 b 233, 1

227 ko 24| 23m United States Patent O METALS OINING APPARATUS John L. Harper, Lackawanna, Pa., assignor toWesting'- house Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application October 15, 1957, Serial No. 690,346 16 Claims. (c1. 219-35) This'invention relates to the ar't of metals joining and has particular relation to the producing of cable sections with solidified ends from a continuous braided cable. Such sections are used for shunts, in connecting terminals of circuit breakers and for similar purposes. The ends of the cable sections are solidied to prevent unraveling. In producing cable sections from a continuous cable in accordance with the teachings of the prior art, the cable is brazed at intervals and is passed through a cutter which is set to cut the cable at the brazed points. The brazing is in accordance with the teachings of the prior art carried out by hand. An operator deposits strips of a brazing ribbon atV the points of the cable to be brazed. The strips and the cable are heated, for example, by transmitting current therethrough, causing the brazing ribbon to fuse into the cable solidifying the region at which the brazing is carried out. The cable is then set in the cutting apparatus by a solenoid actuated advancing mechanism and is cut;

The prior art apparatus has in use been found to be costly both because of the high labor cost of operating it and also because the frequent maloperation of the prior art apparatus results in excessive scrap. It is then an object of this invention to provide apparatus and a method for producing cable sections with solidified ends from a braided cable at a minimum labor cost and with a minimum of scrap.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for producing from a continuous braided cable, cable sections with solidified ends without appreciable waste by reason of maloperation of the apparatus. y

It is a further object of this invention to provide lowcost fully automatic apparatus for producing cable sections with solidified ends, each section including either one or a plurality of cables.

Still another object of this invention is to provide fully automatic apparatus for producing sections of braided cable with solidified ends, each section consisting of'a plurality of cables fused together at the ends.

An incidental object of this invention is to provide automatic apparatus for producing solidified regions at predetermined intervals along a continuous braided cable by fusing a brazing agent or ribbon into ythe cable at these regions.

Another incidental object of this invention is to provide a novel sequence timer circuit particularly suitable for the producing of sections of braided cable with solidifiedV ends which timer shall operate to minimize scrap.

Still another incidental object of this invention is t provide a novel cable cutting and clamping mechanism particularly suitable in the producing of braided sections with solidified ends, which cutting mechanism shall operate without producing excessive scrap.

A still further incidental object of this invention is to provide apparatus for producing from a continuous braided cable, cable sections with solidified ends by fusing a rice brazing agent or ribbon vat spaced intervalsV along the cable, and clamping and cutting the cable at the brazed regions, which apparatus shall include facilities for interrupting the operation on the occurrence of a maloperative such as the impeding of the movement of a cable, failure of the brazing agent to become fused to the cable, or the failure of the cutting mechanism to engage the cable.

An ancillary object of this invention is to provide" a novel starting circuit for a sequence timer which con'- trols metals joining apparatus; I

In accordance with this invention, in its specific aspect, apparatus is provided including a brazing un'it and an advancing and cutting unit which cooperate in suchv manner that the advancing, solidifying, and sectioning of' the cable is a fully automatic operation. The cable is'sipl plied continuously from a reel or a plurality of reels and isy solidified in spaced regions by fusing the end of a brazing ribbon into the cable. The advancing of the cable is effected as part of the cutting operation bya cutting mechanism or shear which includes not only plates for cutting the cable, but also clamping means for clamping the cable preparatory tothe cutting. In the use of the apparatus, the clamping means of the cutting mechanism is initially positioned so as to engage the cable for an Yadvancing operation with the cable atrest and after being so positioned, engages the cable. While this pofsitioning and clamping operation is taking place, the brazing ribbon is being fused to the cable at a point displaced from the point where the cable is clamped by a distance of one cable section. On the completion of the brazing operation, the cutting mechanism'remains in clamping position with the cable clamped and at this time the cutting mechanism is moved and advances the cable which it is clamping. The cable is advanced a distance such that the newly fused region of the cable is moved to the position where the cable was initially clamped. After the cable has been advanced, the blades of the cutting mechanism are operated to cut the cable Where it was clamped. The cutting mechanism is then disengaged from the cable and returned to the clarnping position clamping the cable at this position while the brazing ribbon is fused to the cable at the succeeding point. The above-descriebd operation is then repeated.

The cable is advanced by the cutting mechanism after the ribbon is fused to the cable and the end of the ribbon is advanced with the cable fused to it during the cable advancin'go'pe'rtion. A ribbon cutting mechanism is provided in the path of the ribbon and it severs the ribbon from the fused region of th'e cable after the rilibon has been carried forward in a predetermined dis'- tance. The distance over which the ribbon is advanced is such that its end is pulled out sufficiently for the s'ucceeding brazing operation. Once the ribbon is c'ut, it is returned to its initial position preparatory to the siicceeding brazing operation. g

In the preferred practice of this' invention, the brazing is carried out with a resistance welding machine of cnventional structure having electrodes between which the cable and tip ofthe brazing ribbon are compressed and through which currentY is tansmitted to produce the fusion. The movable kelectrode of this welding apparatus is engaged 4and disengaged from the work by fluid means, usually by compressed air. One of the aspects of this invention is the actuation of the cutting mechanism to clamp, advancethe cable and cut 4the cable yby the same fluid Which actuates the movable electrode and the control of the fluid by a common valve so that the brazing and the advancing and cutting of the cable takes place in the proper timed relationship.

The fluid control valve and the supply of current to the brazing electrodes -is controlled by a sequence timer of the conventional non-beat type. Such a timer times a plurality of intervals during which the various operations of the apparatus is carried out. There is a squeeze interval during which the valve is opened and the fluid pressure applied to move the movable electrode and the cutting mechanism. This is followed by a current supply interval during which current for fusing the brazing ribbon and the cable is supplied. The current supply inter v al is followed by a so-called hold interval during which the electrodes are maintained in engagement with the work to permit the fused region of the work to solidify. The latter interval is followed by a so-called off-interval during which the electrode is disengaged from the work and the cable is advanced and cut. A timer of the nonbeat type carries out the complete timing cycle once its starting circuit is closed independently of whether or not the starting circuit remains closed or open; that is, it is only necessary for the starting circuit to be closed instan- Ataneously to cause the sequence timer to pass through a complete timing cycle.

The non-beat property of the sequence timer is applied in arriving at a further aspect of this invention which results in the minimizing `of. scrap. In accordance with this aspect of this invention, the sequence timer has a starting circuit including a conditioning timer including a contact in the starting circuit and a plurality of switch means, the opening or closing of which is dependent on the condition of the cable. The conditioning timer is controlled by switch means which is closed by the guiding means for the brazing ribbon when the guiding means is moved away from the brazing position of the advancing of the cable with the latter switch means closed the conditioning timer closes its contact and the contact remains closed for a time interval after the switch means reopens long enough to permit the remainder of the apparatus to start the sequence timer for a succeeding operation. If the brazing operation fails to join the ribbon to the cable, the switch means remains open and the sequence timer cannot start a new operation. The starting circuit itself includes a normally open switch means which is closed by the cutting mechanism on the completion of its cutting operation. There is also a normally closed switch means which is opened during the clamping operation of the cutting mechanism in the event that there is no cable over the clamping jaw. Under such circumstances, the actuation of the sequence timer to produce a timing cycle is precluded. In addition, there are in thestarting circuit a plurality of normally open switch mechanisms connected in series which areadapted to be closed by the cables as they pass to the brazing position. In the' 'event that any one of the cables becomes used up, the corresponding switch means is opened and further actuation ot' the sequence timer is prevented. There is also a normally closed switch means which is connected to the cables in such manner that if the movement of one of the cables is impeded as, for example, by snarling, this switch means is opened preventing further actuation of the sequence timer.

The operation of the apparatus is started by tripping the ribbon guiding means and thus actuating the conditioning timer and closing its contact. At the start of the operation, the cutting mechanism is holding the associated normally open switch means closed so that the sequence timer is actuated to pass through a cycle if the cable is present, between the jaws of the cutting mechanism, is properly set to pass through the apparatus and is not impeded. During a cycle of the sequence timer the brazing ribbon guiding means is moved away from the brazing position to permit its associated switch means to close and is then returned to the position in which this switch means is opened. The conditioning timer then carries out another timing operation to permit the next actuation of the sequence timer, when the switch means actuable by the cutting mechanism is again closed.

The novel features considered CharaCiGfiStG Of this i141' veintion are disclosed generally above. The invention itself both as to its organization and as to its method of operation together with additional objects and advantages will be understood from the following description of a specific embodiment when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred embodiment of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a View in perspective showing the apparatus in accordance with this invention in the brazing position;

Fig. 3 is a view in perspective similar to Fig. 2 but showing the apparatus in accordance with this invention in the position in which the brazing ribbon is severed from the fused region of the cable;

Fig. 4 is a view in side elevation of this invention with the cutting mechanism out of engagement with the cable in the completion of the advance of this mechanism;

Fig. 5 is a View in side elevation of the apparatus in accordance with this invention with the cutting mechanisms in the clamping position just before a cutting operation;

Fig. 6 is a view in end elevation of the brazing ribbon cutting unit including the apparatus in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 7 is a view in side elevation of this cutting unit;

Fig. 8 is a view in perspective showing a cutting mechanism in accordance with this invention; l

Fig. 9 is a view in end elevation of the cutting mechanism;

Fig. l0 is a view in side elevation of the cutting mechanism; and

Figs. llA, 11B, 11C, 11D and 11E are views showing the apparatus in its different positions during a cycle of operation.

The apparatus in accordance with the specic aspects of this invention includes a Brazing Unit, an Advancing and Cutting Unit, a Fluid Supply System, a Sequence Timer, and a Starting Circuit for the Sequence Timer.

The Brazing Unit includes a bracket 31 on which are mounted a plurality or" reels 33, 35, 37 carrying the braided cables 39, 41, 43 which is to be cut into sections with solidified ends. Adjacent the bracket 31 there is a plate 45 pivotally mounted on a hinge 417 suspended from the bracket 3-1. The plate 45 has a plurality of openings 49, 51, 53 through which the cables 39, 41, 43 pass. Each cable 39, 41, 43 passes from its reel 33, 35, 37 over a roller 55 and through the associated openings 49, 51, 53. The openings may be aligned hori zontally. Adjacent each opening 49, 51, 53 there is a switch 57, 59, 61 which may be a microswitch. An arm extends from the switching mechanism of each switch into the path of the associated cables 39, 41, 43. This arm is in each case biased towards the opening 49, 51, 53 through which the cable passes, vthe bias being such that the switches are normally open. The cables 39, 41, 43 passing through the plate 45 move the associated arms against the bias so as to close the switches 57, 59, 61. Each of the switches 57, 59, 61 is adapted to be shunted for the eventuality that the apparatus may be used to section less than the maximum number of cables. v

The pivotal plate 45 is urged in a direction towards the bracket 31 by a spring 71 which presses against a strip 73 extending from .the bracket 31 around the plate 31. When the movement of any one of the cables 39, 41, 43 is impeded, for example, if a cable is snarled, the cable pivots the plate 45 in a direction away from the bracket 31 against the spring 71. A switch 75 which may be a microswitch is mounted on the plate 45 adjacent the strip. This strip has an actuating arm which extends adjacent the strip 73 but out of engagement with it when the plate 45 is urged in the direction towards the bracket 31. When the plate 45 is urged by a cable in the direction away from the bracket, the arm engages the strip 78. The switch 75 is closed with the arm disengaged fromihe strip strip 73. 'i

.proximately on the same level as the platen 81.

ment with the fixed electrode E2and yengagement with the iixed electrode.

73 and Preis when the are @astratta The Brazing Unit also includes a welding machine W for brazing a ribbon R to the cable. This machine may be of conventional type including a platen 81 above which there is a movable brazing electrode E1 and below vwhich there is a -lixed brazing electrode E2. The tips of the electrodes E1 and E2 are of the external heating type and are preferably comprised of molybdenum. This is necessary because of low resistance of the copper cables `being brazed. The tip of the fixed electrode E2 is ap- The movable electrode E2 is connected to a piston 83`in a `cylinder `85 and through the piston is actuable by the Fluid Supply System to move downwardly into engageupwardly out of The breazing electrodes E1 and E2 are supplied with current from a current supply unit 99 which may be of conventional type and which is controlled from the Sequence Timer. l

The platen 31 carries at the end near the plate 45 a conining and tensioning device 87 through which thev cables 39, 41, 43 pass. This device includes a slot 89 in which the cables are converged into a cable strip C. The slot has a .pad 91 against which the cables in strip C are urged resiliently. From the device 87 the cable strip C passes over the fixed electrode E2.

The brazing ribbon R is supplied from a reel 92 and is projected into the cable strip C through a ribbon feed- .ing assembly. This assembly includes a block 93 secured `to the platen 81 from which a plurality of arms 95 and 97 extend over the platen 81. These arms are pivotally in parallel about pins 99 and 101 spaced along the top of the block 93. One of the arms 97 extends beyond .the block and between its end and the block a spring 103 is provided; the spring urges the arms towards an adjustable stop 105 mounted on the end of the platen 81. The arms 95 and 97 are pivotally joined at the ends remote from the block 93 to a plate 197 by pins 109 and 111 extending from the arms 95 and 97 through the plate.

vThe pins 199 and 111 permit the cross plate 107 to pivot relative to the arms so that the unit including the arms 95 and 97 and the plate 107 are capable of moving with the arms remaining parallel to each other and the plate moving parallel toA itself.

The plate has adjustably secured thereto a brazing ribbon gate which includes a base 121 having mounted thereon a shoe supporting block 123. The block is of generally T form having a central groove 125 therein in the form of a cross. A shoe 127 in the form of a cross is disposed in the groove and is resiliently urged into engagement with the block 123 by a leaf spring 129.

`The brazing ribbon R is threaded between the shoe 127 and the block 123 with its end extending over the cable strip C on the fixed electrode E2 so that when the movable electrode E1 is moved into engagement with the fixed electrode E2, the end of the brazing ribbon R and the cable are compressed between the movable electrode and the iixed electrode. This mechanism includes a bearing block M1 having upper and lower bushings 143- and 1li-4i in which cooperative cutting rollers 147 and 149 are rotatably mounted. The lower roller 149 is offset outwardly with reference to the upper roller, the setting being adjustable so that the inner edge of the lower roller 149 and the outer edge of the upper roller 147 overlap. Curved guiding blocks 151 are provided in the region of engagement of the upper and lower rollers 147 and 149. These blocks aiord guiding surfaces permitting the proper setting of the brazing ribbon R so that it may be severed.

At the end of the platen 81 remote from the ribbon cutter, there is a switch 161, preferably a microswitch. This switch 161 is normally closed but is opened by the arm 97 inv which the brazing ribbon gate is mounted lwhen the gate is inthe brazing position.

The Advancing and Cutting Unit includes a cutting mechanism which operates both to clamp the cable and to cut it. The cutting mechanism. (Figs. 8, 9, 10) is supported on a housing or supporting structure 171. This housing 171 includes a plate 173 of generally L-section .0f a flat bracket from which an overhang 189 extends.

The movable blade 183 is secured to the outer surface of this bracket 187. The movable blade holder 187 cooperates With a movable clamping jaw 191. This .jaw 191 is of generally right angle form having a central generally circular portion 193 through which there is a bushing opening and from which arms 195 and 197 extend at right angles. The movable jaw 191 and the blade holder 187 are mounted pivotally on a pin 199 extending from the ear of the housing 171. The blade holder 187 is movable relative to the jaw 191 and is urged away from the clamping arm 195 ot the jaw by a spring 201. The xed blade is of generally rectangular form and is bolted to the housing 171 with the edge 203 at its apex in a position to be overlapped in cutting relationship vby the edge of the movable blade 183 and one of its sides 205 extending over the upper edge of the housing 17.1 in a position such as to serve as a xed jaw cooperative with the movable pivotal jaw 197. The fixed portions 203 and 205 of the cutter are thus in the same horizontal plane so that a cable strip C lying in this plane may be first clamped and then cut.

` The movable blade holder is actuable by linkage which includes a bell lever 211 and a universal link 213. The universal link has at its ends pairs of arms 215 and 217 at right angles to each other. The upper pair of arms 215 is connected in pivot relationship to an ear 219 extending from the blade support 187 byrneans of a pin 221 extending through the arms 215 and the ear 219. The lower arms 217 of the universal are connected through a pivotal link 23 to one of the arms 225 of the bell lever 21.1. The other arm 227 of the bell lever is pivotally joined to the bifurcated end 229 of a bracket 231 extending from a rod 233 on a piston 235 movable in a cylinder 237 of the Fluid Supply System. The central pivot point 241 of the bell lever 211 is pivotally suspended on a pin from the arms 177 extending from the housing 171.

A switch 243 which may be a microswitch is mounted on a bracket 245 extending from the housing 171 in a position such that its actuating button 247 is actuable by the arm extending from the clamping jaw 191. The arm 195 engages this button when the clamping jaw is pivoted to the extreme downward position in the absence ofgcable strip C between the jaws 197 and 205. The switch 243 is normally closed and when the button 247 is actuated in the absence of cable strip C over the jaw 205, the switch 243 is opened.

The cutter is supported on the rods 179 and 181 slidable in the platen 81 but the thrust exerted by the cutter during a clamping or cutting operation is taken up by a roller 251 which rides on a track 253 supported on a C-section channel 255 which holds the Advancing and Cutting Unit. The roller 251 is suspended from bearings in a bracket 257 secured to the lower part of the hou'sing 171.

The rod 233 and the bracket 231 at the end of the rod are movable horizontally. The movement of the rod and bracket operates the linkage to the extent that the linkage permits operation, and in addition, moves the cutter along the track 253. With the rod 233 and bracket 231 in the outermost position of their path, (that is in position in which the bracket is nearest the platen V81) "the bell lever 211 is in a position in which its arm con- Vmovable blade 183 are retracting from the lixed jaw 205 andthe iixed blade 185. Movement away from the platen 81 of the rod 233 and bracket 231 rst pivots the bell lever 211 so that the movable jaw 197 clamps the cable between it and the xed jaw 205 against the action of the spring 201 then further movement moves the cutter, linkage and cable strip C inward.

Additional movement of the linkage without translations moving the cutter is produced by positively stopping the cutter. This object is accomplished by a stopping bolt 261 projecting from a bracket 271 of generally rectangular section which engages the housing 171 at a predetermined point. The bolt 261 is adjustable horizontally soV that the precise point at which the cutter is stopped may be set. In its movement over the path of the rod 233 and bracket 231, the cutting mechanism is guided by the rods 179 and 181 slidably in the platen 81.

The bracket 273 which holds the stop 271 has mounted on its supporting base a switch 275 which may be a microswitch. The switch has an actuating button 277 adapted to be engaged by the bracket 231 on the rod 233 in the most inward position of the bracket 231. The

lswitch is normally open and is closed by the engagement of the bracket 231 and the button 277.

The Fluid Supply System includes fluid conductors which supply fluid selectively to the cylinders 85 and 237 respectively. This Huid is derived from a iuid supply source (not shown) such as a compressor and passes through valve V. The Valve V is actuable from a solenoid SV which is controlled from the Sequence Timer. With the solenoid SV deenergized, the valve is set so that uid ows through conductors 283 and 287 and is exhausted through conductors 281 and 285 respectively. This has the effect of urging electrode E1 out of engagement with E2 and retracting the linkage away from the platen 81. With the solenoid SV energized, the iluid is supplied through conductors 281 and 285 and exhausted through 283 and 287 and the valve V is set so that the electrode E1 is urged into engagement with E2 and the linkage is urged towards platen 81.

The Sequence Timer is of conventional type (for example a Westinghouse 3B timer) which has the non-beat property, that is, it is so connected to the Starting Circuit that once the Starting Circuit is closed, even instantaneously he Sequence Timer passes through a complete cycle. The Sequence Timer has connections 291 and 293 to the current supply unit 90 and the valve SV so that the solenoid SV is energized and deenergized and current is supplied and interrupted in the proper sequence. Usually the Sequence Timer main actuation starts with a squeeze interval during which the solenoid SV is energized and electrode E1 is engaged with the work; this is followed by a weld interval during which unit 90 supplies current; next is a hold interval during which electrode E1 is held engaged with the work until the fused region solidities; nally there is an oit interval during which SV is deenergized and the apparatus is reset. The Sequence Timer disclosed here is not set for any specic off time. The off time is determined by the time taken by the cutting mechanism to return to the stop 271 and actuate the start- 4ing switch 275. This time may be longer when reels 33,

35, 37 have substantial lengths ofthe cables 39, 41, 43 on them than when the cable has been substantially unreeled.

The settings of the intervals of the Sequence Timer and 'particularly the current-110W timevwill depend on the volume of copper being brazed and the heat-current time may vary from ten to 30 cycles. With higher currents there may be Shorter current time but the current should be maintained so low and the time so long that sticking and oxidation are avoided.

i Vtimer A301'. This timer 301 is a single function timer isuch gas a Westinghouse 1A timer and has a contact 303 which is maintained closed during the timing interval of the timer.

The Conditioning Timer 301 may be actuated to start a timing operation by the closing of the switch 161 controlled by the arm 97. Only instantaneous closing of this switch is required to start a timing operation of the Timer 301. Once this operation is started, the timer times its complete interval. The timing interval of 301 is of such duration that contact 303 remains closed from the instant when the gate (123) returns to the brazing position until the switch 275 is closed by the bracket 231. The timing out of Timer 301 then starts sometime during the squeeze interval of the Sequence Timer and continues until after the oit interval when the switch 275 is closed. The Conditioning Timer should be set to correspond to the longest anticipated olf time.

The Starting Circuit also includes in series with the contact 303 a switch 305 which is closed during operation, the switch actuable by the cooperation of the plate 45 and the strip 73 on the bracket 31, the switches 57, 59, 61 actuable by the cables 39, 41, 43, the switch 243 actuable by the clamping jaw 191 in the absence of a cable strip C between the jaws 19 and 205 and the switch 275 actuable by the bracket 231 connected to the linkage. The instantaneous closure of this Starting Circuit actuates the Sequence Timer to pass through a complete timing cycle.

In the standby condition of the apparatus, the switch 305 in the Starting Circuit is closed. The valve V is in a position such that the piston connected to the linkage and the piston connected to the movable electrode E1 are retracted. In this position of the valve, the normally open switch 275 actuable by the linkage bracket 231 is closed. In addition, in the standby condition the gate 123 is maintained nearest the reel bracket by the spring 103 connected to the arms and 97 which control its movement and the associated switch 161 is open. The conditioning timer 301 is then deenergized as is also the Sequence Timer. In the absence of cables passing through the plate 45, the switches 49, 51, 53 actuable by the cables are also open. The apparatus is then quiescent.

Preparatory to the start of a sectioning and solidifying operation, reels 33, 35, and 37 are mounted on the bracket 31 and cables 39, 41, 43 from the reels are threaded through openings 49, 51, 53 in the plate 45, through the timing device 87 and between the electrodes E1 and E2 and over the iixed clamping jaw 199 and the fixed blade 203 of the cutting mechanism. The threading of the cables through the bracket closes the switches 57, 59, 61 actuable by the cables.

The brazing ribbon reel 92 is mounted adjacent the gate (123) and the brazing ribbon R is threaded through the gate and its end is placed on the cable strip C which is disposed on the xed electrode E2.

To start a sectioning operation, the gate (123) is actuated by hand so that its associated switch 161 is closed. This starts the timing of the conditioning timer 301 and the latter closes its contact 303. The Starting Circuit is now closed and the Sequence Timer starts -a timing operation.

At the start of the timing cycle of the Sequence Timer, the solenoid SV is energized operating the valve V to a position such that the supply of tluid on the retracting sides of the pistons 83 and 235 is interrupted and fluid is supplied to the advancing sides of the pistons. Both pistons then move inward. The movement of the piston 83 connected to the movable electrode El is such that the movable electrode is moving into clamping engagement with the cable strip C and the end of the brazing ribbon R. The initial movement of the other piston 237 is such is at the most acute angle to the horizontal.V With the The Starting Circuit includes a starting or conditioning 75 bell lever in this position, the movable clamping jaw 197 and the movable cutting blade 183 are disengaged from the 4cable strip C which -is` disposed on the fixedV jaw 205. As` the outward movement of theY piston 235 continues, the cutting mechanism is then moved outwardly relative to the cable strip C, ultimately stopping when the piston 235 reaches the end of its stroke. While the cutting mechanism has been moved outwardly, the movable electrode has engaged the brazing ribbon and the strip C and current has been transmitted through the ribbon and the strip C to fuse the ribbon to the strip. The ribbon is now attached to the strip.

After a hold interval during which the joint is solidified, the solenoid SV is deenergized and the valve VV returns to its initial position. The movable electrode E1 is then retracted from the joint and at the same time the piston 235 connected to the linkage is retracted inwardly. The initial inward movement of the piston 235 pivots the bell lever 211 so that its lower arm 227 moves toward the vertical. This has the effect of causing the movable clamping jaw 197 to engage the cable strip C and the movable blade 183 to move towards the strip C, but this movement is against the action of the spring 201 and further movement is prevented by the iforce of the spring.

`The movement of the piston then causes the cutting mechanisml and the strip C which it clamps, to be retracted inwardly so that the strip is advanced toward the stop 271.

As the strip is advanced, it pulls the ribbon R and the gate 123 with it until the brazing ribbon reaches the ribbon cutter 147-449. At this time, the switch 161 associated with the gate 123 is again closed and the Conditioning Timer 301 starts another timing operation. After the ribbon cutter 147-149 severs the ribbon R from the cable, the gate 123 returns to its initial brazing position opening the switch 161, but the Timer 301 continues to time in spite of the fact that the switch 161 is open.

The movement of the cutting mechanism and strip C now continues until the cutting mechanism engages the stop 271. After this, the movement of the 4linkage alone continues. This movement of the linkage' causes the movable blade 183 of a cutter to sever the part of the strip C extending beyond the cutter. At this point, a sectioning operation is complete.

The strip C has now been advanced sothat the solidified area is in a position just under the position which will be occupied by the fixed jaw 205 of the cutter mechanism when the latter is returned. At this point, the switch 275 actuable by the bracket 231 is closed-and since the Conditioning Timer is still timing, a succeeding cycle of the Sequence Timer is carried out. The cutting mechanism is then again set by the linkage so that it disengages the strip C and the cutter is moved outwardly so that the fixed jaw 205 of the cutting mechanism supports the cable in the region where it-has been solidified. 1

When the brazing ribbon R was advanced with .the strip C, the tip of the brazing ribbon R was pulled outwardly so that there is now brazing ribbon over the strip C on the fixed electrode E2. As the cutting mechanism moves outwardly, the movable electrode E1 moves'into engagement with the end of the brazing ribbon andthe strip C and another fusion operation takes place. Thereafter, the strip C is again clamped by the cutting mechanism and retracted inwardly to the stop and finally the section severed by the cutter.l This time the cutter severs the strip C in the center of the solidifying region so that the end of the cut section is solidified and there is a solidified end in the circuit portion. The above-described process is then again repeated .and the operationnow continues as long as may be desired.

If one of the reels 33, 35, or 37 should be emptied of cables, the associated switch 57, 59 or 61 is permitted to open and the Starting Circuit ofthe Sequence Timer is open so that further operation is precluded. -If one of the cables should become snarled or otherwise impeded, .the plate 45 through which the cables pass is pivoted against fthe spring 71 opening the switch 75. 1f the ribbon R .fio

`fails to become attached to the cable, the starting switch -scrap isv avoided.

It is necessary that the spacing of the components of the apparatus be precise. The cutter is spaced from the brazing electrodes E1 and E2 a distance such that the cable is shearedisubstantially in the center of the brazed region. The setting is effected by moving the channel s'ection255k on which the cutter and its track 253 are disposed. The spacing between the cutter and the stop `271 must be such that the cable is advanced a distance equal to a cable section before it is stopped. This spacing is set by adjusting the position of the cylinder 237 relative to the piston 235. For this purpose, the cylinder is mounted pivotally on an arm, the opposite end of which is slidable in a slot in the channel 255. Movement of the cylinder 237 relative to the piston 235 thus sets the extent of movement of the cable strip C. The stop 271 may then be adjusted correspondingly.

While a preferred embodiment of this invention has been disclosed wherein many modifications thereof are fpossible. Thus, in its broader aspects this invention may be applied to a punch press operation `in which the advancing mechanisms disclosed herein are used to advence a work strip which is punched out. This invention then iS not to berestricted except insofar as is necessitated by the spirit of the prior art.

'I claim as myk invention:

1. Apparatus for producing cable sectionswith solidified ends by brazing abrazing ribbon at predetermined spaced points of a cable, said apparatus including a pair of electrodes, rst means to be connected to said ribbon reciprocable from a first position in which it holds said ribbon in engagement with said cable at each of said points to a second position, means connected to said electrodes for kmoving said electrodes into and out of engagement with said ribbon and cable at said points, means connected to said electrodes for supplying current to said ribbon and cable at said points, a sequence timer of the-non-beat type connected to said moving means and `said current supply means for controlling the sequential operation of said moving means and said current supply means, second means adapted to beconnected to said `Atrahie and reciprocable from a cable advancing position -to a cable cutting position for advancing said cable'after said ribbon has been brazed theretohand cutting said cable into sections lat-the brazed points, said cable when -adyanced ,moving said IfirstV reciprocablemeans and said .ribbon therewith from said first position to said second position, cutting `means at said second position for separating said ribbon and said cable, means to be connected to said ribbon for returning said ribbon to said first position when lsaid ribbon is separated from said cable, and a kstarting circuit fory said sequence timer including vorio/finally open switch means to be closed by said second rfeciprocable means in said cable cutting position, norsaid normally closed means.

2. Apparatus for producing a repetitive metals joining ioper'ation including metals joining means, a sequence "tlmer connected to said metals joiningmeans `controlling theoperationthereof andthe metals joining current conducted therebyLsaiud .timer being of the non-beat type,

a starting circuit for said timer connected to said timer and including in series first normally open switch means to be closed repeatedly to initiate each joining operation, and second normally open switch means responsive to the making of a joint to be closed during each operation only if a joint is made, and when so closed remaining closed in the predetermined time interval beginning prior to the closing of said irst switch means and continuing through said closing.

3. The method of solidifying spaced points in a cable by brazing a brazing ribbon to said cable at said points, said ribbon being payed from ribbon supply means, said method comprising engaging said brazing ribbon with said cable at a rst of said points in a first position of said brazing ribbon, fusing said brazing ribbon to said cable at said irst point, advancing said cable and said brazing ribbon fused thereto to a second position thus paying out additional brazing ribbon from said supply means and setting said brazing ribbon for a succeeding brazing operatioinrseparating said brazing ribbon from said cable at said second position, and returning said brazing ribbon to said first position with said additional ribbon payed out preparatory to said succeeding brazing operation.

4. Apparatus for providing cable sections with ends solidified by fusing a brazing material from a brazing ribbon into said cableat spaced points along said cable comprising in combination brazing ribbon guiding means having a first position in which said ribbon is held in engagement with said cable at each of said points and a second position, metals joining means to engage said ribbon and cable when each of said points is at said first position and fuse said ribbon into said cable at said rst position, cable advancing vand cutting means actuable in synchronism with said joining means to advance and cut said cable into sections after said agent is fused into said cable, said cable being advanced with said ribbon attached thereto and said ribbon when advancing moving 4said guiding means from said first position to said second position to set said ribbon for a succeeding fusing operation, and means at said second position for severing lribbon from said cable, said guiding means including means for returning said guiding means to said first position with the edge of said ribbon extending from said guiding means conditioned for a succeeding joining operation on the severance of said ribbon Afrom said cable.

5. Apparatus for solidifying a plurality of cables at spaced points along said cables comprising metals joining means, a sequence timer connected to said joining means for actuating said joining means to carry out a joining operation, said timer being of the non-beat type, a starting circuit for said timer including in series a plurality of normally open switch means corresponding in number to the number of said cables, means to be connected to said cables for advancing said cables to said joining means to be solidified at said points by said joining means, and connections between said normally open switch means and said cables for maintaining each of said normally open switch means closed so long as its 'corresponding cable is capable of unimpeded advance to said joining means.

6. Apparatus for solidifying a plurality of cables at spaced points along said cables comprising metals joining means, a sequence timer connected to said joining means for actuating said joining means to carry out a joining operation, said timer being oiv the non-beat type, a starting circuit for said timer including in series a plurality of normally open switch means corresponding in number to the number of said cables, and a normally closed switch means, means to be connected to said cables for advancing said cables to said joining means to be solidified at said points by said joining means, connections between said normally open switch means and said cables .for maintaining each ofr said normally open switch means 12 closed so long as its corresponding cable is capable of unimpeded advance to said joining means, and additional connections between said cables and said normally closed switch means for opening said normally closed switch means when the advance of any one of said cables is impeded.

7. The method of producing from a continuous cable a plurality of cable sections with apparatus including a cutter having blades adapted to engage and cut said ca ble, the said method comprising producing a rst solidilied point on said cable, causing said cutter to engage and advance said cable so that said rst solidified point is in an advanced position of said cable, disengaging said cutter from said cable and returning said cutter disengaged from said cable t0 a cable engaging position such ,that said blades are adjacent said solidified point, producing a second solidied point in said cable causing said cutter to engage said cable at said rst solidified point and advance said cable so that said second solidied point `is ,moved to the position formerly occupied by said first point, causing the blades of said cutter to cut said cable, disengaging said blades from said cable, and returning ,said cutter disengaged from said cable to said cable engaging position, said blades being now adjacent said sec- `ond solidified point.

8. Apparatus for solidifying at least one cable at spaced points along said cable comprising metals joining means,

-a sequence timer connected to said joining means for actuating said joining means to carry out a joining operation, said timer being of the non-beat type, a starting circuit for said timer including in series normally open switch means and normally closed switch means, means to be connected to said cable for advancing said cable to said joining means to be solidified at said points by said joining means, connections between said normally open switch means and said cable for maintaining said normally Vopen' switch means closed so lona7 as said cable is capable of unimpeded advance to said joining means, and additional connections between said cable and said normally closed switch means for opening said normal` lyclosed switch means when the advance of said cable is impeded.

9. Apparatus for producing from a continuous cable, sections havingsolidifed ends comprising metals joining means, a sequence timer connected to said joining means for actuating said joining means to carry out a joining operation, said timer being of the non-beat type, a cutter for cutting said cable `into said sections, said cutter having a first position in which said cutter is disengaged from said cable, a second position in which said cutter' is in cable clamping position, and a third position in which said cutter is in cable cutting position, said cutter being actuable from one of said positions to the other, a starting circuit for said sequence timer including in series normally open starting switch means which when closed starts a sequence of said timer and normally closed switch means responsive to said cutter in said second position to be opened in the absence of a cable to be clamped by said cutter in said second position.

10. In combination cable advancing means including cable clamping means and means connected to said clamping means for moving said cable clamping means between a first position in which it clamps said cable and a second position, thereby advancing said clamped cable from said first to said second position, cable solidifying means including means having an initial position at which it causes a bra'zing ribbon to engage said cable at a point where said cable is to be solidified, and metals joining means to be connected to said cable and ribbon for fusing said ribbon into said cable thereby joining said cable to said ribbon, said causing means and ribbon ybeing advanced with the cable when itis advanced by said reciprocating means from said rst position to said for severing said ribbon after said ribbon has been advanced with said cable a predetermined distance as aforesaid, and means connected to said causing means for returning said causing means to said initial position after said ribbon has been severed.

1l. In combination cable advancing means including cable clamping means and means connected to said clamping means for moving said cable clamping means between a first position in which it clamps said cable and a second position, thereby advancing said clamped cable from said first to said second position, cable solidifying means including means having an initial position at which it causes va brazing ribbon to engage said cable at a point where said cable is to be solidified, and metals joining means to be connected to said cable and ribbon for fusing said ribbon into said cable thereby joining said cable to said ribbon, means connected to said metals joining means and to said moving means for synchronizing the operations of said joining means and said mowl ing means so that said ribbon' is fused to said cable before the start of the movement of said clamping means whereby said causing means and ribbon is advanced with the cable when it is advanced by said reciprocating means from said first position to said second position, means to be connected to said ribbon for severing said ribbon after said ribbon has been advanced with said cable a predetermined distance as aforesaid, and means con nected to said causing means for returning said causing means to said initial position after said ribbon has been severed.

12. In combination a sequence timer of the non-beat i type when actuated timing a cycle of operations, a starting circuit connected to said sequence timer for actuating said sequence timer as aforesaid on instantaneous closing of said starting circuit, means connected to said circuit when instantaneously actuated conditioning said circuit to be closed for a predetermined time interval after said last named actuation, and switch means connected to said conditioning means for instantaneously actuating said conditioning means.

13. In combination a sequence timer of the non-beat type when actuated timing a cycle of operations, a starting circuit connected to said sequence timer for actuating Said sequence timer as aforesaid on instantaneous closing of said starting circuit, means connected to said circuit when instantaneously actuated conditioning said circuit to be closed for a predetermined time interval after said last named actuation, said starting circuit including first switch means when closed closing said starting while conditioned as aforesaid, second switch means connected to said conditioning means for instantaneously actuating said conditioning means, and means actuable to close and thereafter reopen said second switch means and thereafter to close said first switch means within said predetermined interval after the reopening of said second switch means.

14. In combination in apparatus for producing cable sections from continuous cable a sequence timer when actuated for timing a sequence of a plurality kof operations which are carried out Vin timed sequence controlled by the timer once said timer as actuated, said timer being of the non-beat type so that on each actuation of said 14 Y timer only one set of said plurality of operations is carried out, a starting circuit connected to said timer which when instantaneously closed actuates said timer, said circuit including in series first normally open switch means and second normally open switch means, and means connected to said first and second switch means and operative to close said first switch means, while said first switch means is closed to close and reopen said second switch means, and after said second Switch means is reopened to reopen said rst switch means.

15. Apparatus for producing cable sections from a continuous cable comprising metals joining meansvhaving electrode means movable into and out of engagement with said cable to produce solidified regions on said cable, cable advancing and cutting means actuable to engage and advance said cable and to cut said cable at said regions, unitary fluid pressure means connected to said electrodes'and to said cutting and advancing means both for moving said electrodes and for actuating said cutting and advancing means, valve means actuable to control said uid pressure means, and means for actuating said valve means to coordinate the movement of said electrodes and the actuation of said advancing and cutting means so that said cable is at rest while being solidified at each of said regions, is advanced after the solidication of each region is completed, and is cut after being so advanced prior to the solidification of a succeeding region,

16. In combination in apparatus for producing cable sections from continuous cable, a sequence timer for metals joining apparatus, said timer being of the non-beat type and including timing components for timing at least the engagement of an electrode with work to be joined, the supply of joining current through said work and the disengagement of said electrode and work, and a starting circuit connected to said timer which when actuated starts a sequence operation of said timer, said starting circuit including in series normally open switch means and normallyrclosed switch means, and said starting circuit being actuable only. when both said switch means are closed.

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